How is a Dental Filling Placed?

When our West Hollywood dentist finds a cavity in your tooth, the decay will first be removed. You will likely receive a local anesthetic beforehand, and the dentist will then drill the decay away. Once the decay has been removed, the tooth is restored with a dental filling. The process for placing the filling is relatively straightforward, but there are some differences in the process depending on the material that comprises the dental filling.

Amalgam fillings are also called silver fillings, and they are the cheapest type of dental filling that is available. While they are effective for restoring teeth, some patients object to their high level of visibility. Due to that concern, amalagam fillings are usually only used in the back teeth. Once the decay is removed, the dentist will mix up the amalgam. Using a special instrument called an amalgam carrier, the amalgam will be place inside the tooth. The dentist will make sure that it makes for a tight fit with your tooth. You may then be asked to bite down on a thin sheet of carbon paper to makes sure it does not come out too far. The amalgam is then allowed to harden.

Composite fillings, or tooth-colored fillings, are comprised of resin and glass particles. Once mixed, the composite resin is placed directly into the cavity. Our dental fillings dentist in West Hollywood will then cure the resin with a special light, setting it into place.